Effective Oct. 1, the Nine Mile Fire District will have a new ISO rate of 6, according to information from the department. The department was able to lower its rating during its last inspection in April. It’s previous rating was an ISO class 7.

The decrease should save property owners about 20 percent in their insurance coverage, according to information from the department.

The rating affects all properties within five miles of the department. All properties located in the district between five and six miles will continue to receive a class 9E rating, and those beyond six mile mark will stay at an ISO class 10.

The rating is based on various items including the fire department, the availability of water and the county’s emergency communication system.

“We want the citizens to know so they can save some money that is just one way we can help them,” Chief Donald Pierce said. “Our firefighters have worked hard and our community has supported us. It would not have been possible without both.”

Pierce said the 591 residences in the five-mile district had an average premium of $1,584 under ISO class 7 but should see a new average premium of $1,265 as an ISO class 6.